UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS

Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy

2017

The purpose of this document is to set out for all interested parties the position of the
University of Leeds on key matters relating to recruitment and admission to our
taught postgraduate programmes for all applications received by the 1st September.

This policy was last reviewed: February 2016

Contents

Section 1 Principles 3

Section 2 Context 3

Section 3 Governance 3

3.1 Role of the Recruitment Committee 3

3.2 Role of the Student Education Service 4
3.3 Guidance for Admissions Staff 4
3.4 Transparency 4
3.5 Consistency 5
3.6 Monitoring 5

Section 4 Admissions Requirements 5

4.1 Selection principles 5

4.2 General entrance requirements 5
4.3 Qualifications 6
4.4 English language requirements 6
4.5 Applicants who have non-UK qualifications 7
4.6 Part -Time Study 7
4.7 Widening Participation 8
4.8 Fees and Financial Support 8
4.9 Advanced Entry 8
4.10 Age and safeguarding 8
4.11 Disabled applicants 9
4.12 Applicants with a health-related issue 9
4.13 Support of applicants who are pregnant 10
4.14 Applicants who have face exceptional circumstances 10
4.15 Applicants wishing to defer 10
4.16 Applicants wishing to reapply 10
4.17 Criminal convictions 10

Section 5 Admissions processes 11

5.1 Applications 11
5.2 Application deadlines 11
5.3 Academic documents 11
5.4 Referees 12

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5.5 Submission of work 12

5.6 Communication with applicants 12
5.7 Fraudulent statements and documents, plagiarism and omissions 13
5.8 Offers 13
5.8.1 Conditional offer 13
5.8.2 Unconditional offer 13
5.8.3 Unsuccessful application 13
5.8.4 Withdrawn application 13
5.8.5 Near miss offers 14
5.9 CAS issuance and tuition fees deposits 14
5.10 Interviews 14
5.11 Accepting an offer 14
5.12 Feedback 15
5.13 Complaints 15

Section 6 Applicants Personal Data 15

Section 7 Student Education Service Review 15

Section 8 Contact details and links 16

8.1 Email addresses 16
8.2 Web links 16

APPENDIX A - Acceptable English Language Qualifications 17

Section 1 Applicants who are not required to undertake further English language
tests 17
Section 2 Acceptable English language qualifications 17

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Section 1 Principles

The University of Leeds is a research-intensive institution which creates, advances

and disseminates knowledge. Our aim is to develop outstanding graduates and
scholars who can make a major impact upon global society.

The University is shaped by the values of academic excellence, community,

professionalism, integrity and inclusiveness. The setting of high admissions
standards plays a key role in maintaining academic excellence.

The University of Leeds is committed to providing a professional admissions service

through clear, fair and consistently applied policies and procedures. The University
aims to provide fair and equal access to all prospective students who have the
potential to benefit from and contribute to academic life at a research-intensive
university.

The University recognises that, in order to provide fair and equal access to all
prospective students, it may need to demonstrate a flexible approach and, where
appropriate make adjustments for individual applicants - for example, disabled
applicants or applicants who have faced exceptional circumstances.

Our policies and practice are driven by our belief that the life of the University is
enriched by having a body of students which reflects the community at large and
includes students from all parts of the UK, from other EU countries and from further
overseas.

Section 2 Context

The Universitys admissions policies are consistent with the Quality Assurance
Agencys Code of Practice, Chapter B2 on Recruitment selection and admission to
higher education and comply with current equality laws affecting the admission of
students.

Admissions policies and practices are also guided by the principles articulated within
the Schwartz Report of the Admissions to Higher Education Steering Group 2004
(available at http://www.admissions-review.org.uk/)

Section 3 Governance

3.1 Role of the Recruitment Committee

Taught Admissions policies at the University of Leeds are overseen by the University
Recruitment Committee. The Committees terms of reference are to:

To monitor the quality of Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate,

Home/EU and International student admissions and recruitment in the
University, ensuring integrity and alignment of processes with the
Universitys strategic aims, reporting to the Portfolio Steering Group;
To promote fairness, inclusion, consistency and transparency in the
Universitys recruitment and admissions practices;
To formulate University policies, regulations and procedures for the
admission of both Home/EU and International students to Undergraduate

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and Taught Postgraduate awards in response to internal and external

initiatives and to oversee the implementation and effectiveness of these;
To monitor compliance in relation to the University Admissions Policy,
relevant University Quality Assurance statements and external Codes of
Practice;
To oversee the Universitys outreach and widening participation strategy;
To monitor and review the Universitys performance in relation to the
Access Agreement;
To oversee and measure the success of the Universitys recruitment and
admissions process against key performance indicators;
To receive from central services and/or faculty recruitment
committees/working groups recommendations about admissions and
recruitment issues which require cross-faculty or University-wide action, to
advise on appropriate action, and to make relevant recommendations to
Taught Student Education Board;
To promote the dissemination of best practice in recruitment and
admissions across the University, to identify development and training
needs for admissions staff and to ensure that these needs are met;

3.2 Role of the Student Education Service

Admissions decisions at the University of Leeds are ultimately made by Academic

Schools and/or Faculties. The Student Education Service (SES) is responsible for
managing the admissions procedures in line with the Universitys admissions
policies, providing support, training and advice to its staff, enquirers and applicants.

3.3 Guidance for Admissions Staff

All members of staff with responsibility for the admissions process are given
appropriate guidance in order to fulfil their roles competently and in line with this
policy. Structured guidance is given in light of any national or institutional changes to
admissions policy or procedures and ongoing counsel is provided to all admissions
staff in the Student Education Service.

3.4 Transparency

The University is committed to providing accurate and clear communication of

information that will support students to make an informed decision about their
course. The University requires Academic Schools to publish guideline entry
requirements for all taught postgraduate programmes in all relevant communications,
for example the University of Leeds Taught Postgraduate Prospectus. Additionally
the University requires Academic Schools to publish local level admissions policies,
which support this main University policy and provide applicants with more detailed
information about programme specific selection criteria and processes.

3.5 Consistency

In order to ensure consistency and fairness, the general principles and procedures
set out in this policy are followed by all Academic Schools. The University
acknowledges that admissions processes will vary to some extent across subject

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areas depending on the nature of the programme. Any variations in process will be
detailed in School Admissions Policies.

3.6 Monitoring

This policy is reviewed annually by the University Recruitment Committee and, where
appropriate, policies and procedures for the admission of students to taught
postgraduate programmes may be revised in line with changes to the internal and
external admissions environment.

The admissions policy and practice of Academic Schools is reviewed annually by

Faculty Committees who will make recommendations to the University of Leeds
Recruitment Committee for approval.

Section 4 Admissions Requirements

4.1 Selection principles

The University of Leeds operates a fair and equitable selection process ensuring due
consideration is given to all applicants who apply by the relevant closing date.
Achievement or predicted achievement of the required qualifications does not
necessarily guarantee an offer of a place. All selection decisions are made on the
basis of merit which may include academic and non-academic criteria for admission
to the relevant programme of study.

The selection criteria must treat all students fairly and equally, and not discriminate
unlawfully because of their age; disability; gender; gender identity; pregnancy or
maternity status; race; religion or belief; or sexual orientation.

The admissions process is covered by the Universitys Policy on Equality and

Inclusion which is available from the University's Equality Policy Unit at
www.equality.leeds.ac.uk/university-policies-2/.

4.2 General entrance requirements

Applications are assessed by admissions staff on the basis of information provided

on the application form. All applicants are assessed as individuals and are given fair
and equal opportunity to demonstrate relevant skills and provide supporting
information where required. In some cases the selection process may include other
steps for example interviews, auditions or the submission of supplementary work in
addition to the information provided on the application form. The criteria for
assessment vary across different programmes and full details will be provided in the
relevant School Admissions Policy. Academic and non-academic entrance
requirements are reviewed annually in line with the Universitys aim to provide fair
and equal access to all prospective students who have the potential to benefit from
and contribute to a quality education on their chosen programme. Academic Schools,
their Admissions Tutors and administrators should consider exercising flexibility
where appropriate in response to individual applicants requesting adjustments to
assessment methods.

Any unsupported or inaccurate claims within an application may invalidate the

application and may lead to the applicant being rejected.

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In order to comply with the requirements of relevant professional bodies, applicants

to certain vocational or professional courses may be required to pass checks by the
Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly a Criminal Records Bureau check), or to
demonstrate medical fitness to practise prior to being admitted. Applicants will be
advised if these or any other conditions apply when they are made an offer of a
place.

4.3 Qualifications

Applicants to taught postgraduate programmes should normally have a good first

honours degree of at least a UK upper second class or equivalent. Criteria for entry
to individual programmes of study may be higher and applicants are advised to check
the relevant Academic School prior to making an application. Exceptions to this
academic requirement for some programmes may be made when applicants can
demonstrate significant relevant work experience and their potential for benefiting
from the programme is clear. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements
for a particular taught postgraduate programme are advised to contact the University
prior to making an application. The contact details for application enquiries can be
found in section 7 of this document.

4.4 English language requirements

Teaching, assessment and student support will take place in English, unless
otherwise stated. Schools must be confident that candidates have the proficiency in
English language necessary to succeed on the chosen programme of study.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language may require an English
language qualification to gain entry to the University of Leeds and will be made an
offer which is conditional on successful completion of one of the approved tests, or a
combined offer for one of the University of Leeds pre-sessional English Language
courses and their chosen Taught Postgraduate programme, as an alternative route to
meeting the English Language requirement. A list of applicants who are not required
to undertake further English language tests can be found in Appendix A, Section 1.
A list of acceptable language qualifications and the minimum pass level required are
detailed in Appendix A, Section 2. It should be noted that some schools, faculties or
programmes specify higher requirements than the University minimum. Please note
that for applicants submitting applications for programmes with an English language
requirement that is higher than the University minimum, the applicant may be
required to undertake an English language test to meet the requirement and the list
shown in Appendix A, Section 1 is not applicable.

Any offer made that is conditional on an English Language requirement will be

subject to provision of documentary evidence that the required standard has been
met. Applicants who have already taken an English Language qualification should
enclose a copy of their test score with their application.

Where an applicant does not meet the English language requirements for the
academic course, but does meet the requirements for the University of Leeds pre-
sessional English Language summer courses, they may be eligible for a combined
offer for the pre-sessional and Taught Postgraduate programme. Applicants will be
informed via their offer letter if they are eligible for a combined offer, for which they
will need to opt in. Applicants with a combined offer needing a CAS will receive a
single CAS for the duration of their studies. Applicants must attend the pre-sessional
course in order to progress onto the Taught Postgraduate programme. Failure to do

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so will result in the applicant being unable to join the Taught Postgraduate
programme. Applicants can opt out of this route in favour of meeting the English
Language requirement by completing one of the English Language tests detailed in
Appendix A, Section 2, by declining the offer and contacting
tp_applications@leeds.ac.uk.

Even students with high language scores can find they need additional language
support before and during their degree studies at the University of Leeds. The
Language Centre offers a range of classes throughout the year, including pre-
sessional intensive English courses for academic purposes from July to September.
Details of programmes and contact details for the Language Centre can be found on
our website at: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/125008/english_language

Where an applicant has already satisfied the English language requirements and
subsequently provides further evidence that falls below the Universitys or the UKVIs
entry requirements, the offer must be revised as follows:

An unconditional offer, made on the understanding that English

language proficiency was met, will be changed to conditional upon evidence
of a level of at least UKVI minimum of CEFR Level B2. For example, an
IELTS test with an overall score of 6.5 taken in 2014 would be overridden by
an IELTS test with an overall score of 5.0 taken in 2015, making the offer
conditional on English.

An offer which would normally not need additional evidence of English

language proficiency, due to having met this requirement using alternative
qualifications, will be made conditional on English if the most recent evidence
provided is below CEFR Level B2. For example, an Indian XII or a Bachelor
degree from Nigeria taken in 2009 would be overridden by an IELTS test with
an overall score of 5.0 taken in 2015, making the offer conditional on English.

Where more recent evidence is provided which does not meet the
English entry requirements for the programme, but exceeds the UKVI
minimum of CEFR Level B2, it is at the discretion of the Academic School
whether an English condition should be made.

4.5 Applicants who have non-UK qualifications

Admissions staff have experience in considering a wide range of international

qualifications against the Universitys entry requirements. Information for international
applicants can be found on the University of Leeds website at
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/international.

Prospective applicants who wish to discuss whether their qualifications will meet the
Universitys entry criteria should contact the Admissions Enquiries Office (see section
7).The University works with a network of representatives across the globe who can
give informed advice on all matters relating to life in Leeds and applicants and
enquirers may be referred to one of the Universitys regional offices.

4.6 Part -time study

Applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis should contact the Academic
School to check on part-time options prior to making an application. Overseas

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applicants and applicants from non-EU countries should note that student visa
regulations will not normally allow study on a part-time basis.

4.7 Widening Participation

We are committed to identifying all applicants who have the potential to succeed at
the University of Leeds. The University offers a range of financial support to
academically able students from less affluent backgrounds to ensure they are not
deterred from progressing to taught postgraduate study because of financial reasons.
Support from us does not have to be repaid. Further details can be found on our
website at
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/101050/fees_and_scholarships/109/postgraduate_schola
rships

4.8 Fees and Financial Support

Eligible UK or EU students, whether full-time or part-time, will be able to apply for a

loan to help towards the cost of tuition fees and living costs. It is a maximum of 10,
000 and eligibility is outlined at https://www.gov.uk/career-development-
loans/overview.

In addition, the University is committed to ensuring that finance is not a barrier. The
University of Leeds currently offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries that
provide funding for students to undertake undergraduate study at the University.
Further details can be found on our website at
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/101050/fees_and_scholarships/109/postgraduate_schola
rships

All students are expected to have made arrangements to meet the tuition fee
payment requirements before accepting their offer. For information about tuition fee
payment options please visit
http://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/10210/paying_fees_and_charges/604/tuition_fees

4.9 Advanced Entry

Accreditation of prior learning is a process undertaken by the University in order to

assess and, as appropriate, recognise prior experiential learning or prior certificated
learning for academic purposes. This recognition may give the learning a credit value
and allow it to be counted towards the completion of a programme of study. Credit
Transfer is the process by which the University accepts credit arising from prior
certificated learning, either awarded by itself or another institution, as contributing to
an award of the University.

Any decision on credit transfer or entry of students with advanced standing is an

academic decision taken within the relevant School. Applicants are advised to check
the relevant School Admissions Policy for further information.

4.10 Age and Safeguarding

The University recognises someones young age (if under 18) or safeguarding
position may need to be taken into account. For full details of the University policy
please see http://www.leeds.ac.uk/secretariat/documents/safeguarding_policy.pdf.

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4.11 Disabled applicants

The University welcomes applications from disabled people.1 The University will
make reasonable adjustments to help ensure that disabled applicants have full and
equal access to our admissions procedures and courses. Information about disability
is not used when considering your academic eligibility for your chosen programme of
study. It is reviewed in order to identify your potential study-related support
requirements, and your eligibility for disability-related support funding, so that the
University can ensure you are supported effectively on your course.

The University will always aim to make appropriate adjustments for disabled
applicants. However, applicants who choose not to disclose their disability should be
aware that it may be more difficult, or in rare cases impossible, to make the
appropriate adjustments. Applicants are invited to indicate their disability status on
their application form and we strongly encourage applicants to disclose any disability.
Disabled applicants are also advised to contact the Universitys Disabled Students
Assessment and Support team (part of the Universitys Student Education Service)
once an application has been submitted, to discuss any support requirements they
may have in relation to the programme for which they have applied. Disabled
Students Assessment and Support can be contacted at disability@leeds.ac.uk.

If any candidate feels that their disability has meant that they faced exceptional
circumstances which should be taken into account by the University when
considering their application, they should refer to section 4.14 below.

The admissions process is covered by the Universitys Policy on Equality and

Inclusion which is available from the University's Equality Policy Unit at
http://www.equality.leeds.ac.uk/university-policies-2/.

4.12 Applicants with a health-related issue

This section deals with health-related issues,2 which are distinct from disability-
related issues. Applicants with a health-related issue should contact the relevant
Academic School as soon as possible if their health is likely to impact on their ability
to engage with the admissions process. The University aims to be flexible in such
circumstances and to take such issues into account. Offers made to some
programmes such as Dentistry and Medicine are conditional upon a satisfactory
medical examination to be undertaken before the commencement of studies.
Applicants will be advised if these or any other conditions apply when they are made
an offer of a place.

If any candidate feels that their prior ill health has meant that they faced exceptional
circumstances which should be taken into account by the University when
considering their application, they should refer to section 4.14 below.

1The University is committed to the social model of disability and in line with the definition
under the Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone with a physical or mental
impairment which is long-term (lasting 12 months or more) and which has a substantial
impact on that persons ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. The definition of
disability includes long-term medical conditions such as cancer (from the point of diagnosis),
epilepsy, diabetes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME and HIV/AIDS amongst others.
2
Which are not classed as a disability.

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4.13 Support for applicants who are pregnant

In line with the University policy on support for students who are pregnant or have
young children (available from http://www.equality.leeds.ac.uk/university-policies-2/ ),
applicants who are pregnant are advised to inform their Admissions Tutor/Officer at
an early stage. This is so that consideration can be given to appropriate support
being available from the start of their programme of study.

4.14 Applicants who have faced exceptional circumstances

If any candidate feels that any disability, prior ill-health or other personal
circumstance (for example, bereavement, or other difficult home or family
circumstances) may have affected their previous education, or grades received in
past examinations, then they are welcome to contact the relevant School to discuss
this further. All formal requests for mitigating circumstances which are supported by a
full declaration about the nature of the circumstances will be taken into account in the
admissions process.

Where those circumstances are affecting, or have affected, current studies the
correct course of action should be to notify the relevant exam board of those
circumstances. Whilst you are welcome to notify (via a verified statement) the
relevant admissions office of the circumstances, the University will assume that the
relevant exam board will take the circumstances into consideration and any
mitigating circumstances have been taken into account in the final grades. These
final grades are what will be used when making a decision.

4.15 Applicants wishing to defer

The University of Leeds considers a deferred applicant as one who currently holds an
offer but wishes to change the year of entry to the following academic year, or one
who applies for the following academic year from the outset. Applicants who wish to
defer an offer of a place to the following academic year should contact the relevant
Academic School. Deferral of a place to study is at the discretion of the Academic
School and is strictly limited to a maximum of one academic year following the year
of initial application. Applicants who request deferral for more than one academic
year will normally be required to reapply. Except where a 2 year time limit is placed
on an English Language qualification, any offer made will not be subject to change.

4.16 Applicants wishing to reapply

Any decision on the eligibility of applicants who have previously held an offer of a
place but failed to achieve the academic conditions at first attempt will be an
academic judgement. Such candidates should be aware that no guarantee can be
given that another offer will be made, and that the conditions of any future offer may
differ to those of the original.

4.17 Criminal convictions

The University has a policy statement on students with criminal records at

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/secretariat/documents/applicants_students_criminal_record.p
df. This policy includes applicants seeking admission. It should be noted that if an
applicant is required to disclose a criminal offence and fails to do so this will generally
be considered a very serious matter and is likely to lead to their application being
rejected or, if admitted, to their registration at the University being revoked.

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Having a prior criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from being
offered a place; this may depend, for example, on the nature, timing and relevance of
the criminal offence in question. The University may request further information
about the nature or context of an applicants criminal record.

Where indicated in the prospectus or on the Universitys website, specific

programmes may involve regular access to children and/or vulnerable adults, and
applicants may be required to undertake with satisfactory results, certain checks with
the Disclosure and Barring Service. The University will send further instructions as
part of the admissions process where this is the case.

Section 5 Admissions processes

5.1 Applications

Applicants to taught postgraduate programmes are encouraged to apply online at

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply.htm.

5.2 Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible for taught postgraduate

programmes.

Some programmes are very popular and may operate an application closing date.
Where there is a specific closing date for an Academic School, it will be stated in the
School Admissions Policy and applicants are advised to check this prior to submitting
an application.

If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place at least
one month before any specific scholarship deadline.

International students are particularly advised to submit applications as early

as possible to ensure they have sufficient time to obtain a visa and prepare for
arrival in the UK. Furthermore, an offer of a place is needed for many of the
scholarships available to international students and closing dates can often be
early in the year.

5.3 Academic documents

The following academic documents must be submitted with a taught postgraduate

application. International applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa to study in the
UK should be aware that the Home Office may request to see original copies of
academic documents at the point of entry to the UK. Original or certified copies of
the academic documents submitted with a taught postgraduate application must also
be produced to the University at the point of registration.

Higher Education and Professional Qualifications

If an applicant has already completed professional qualifications or previous
degrees, whether at a UK or overseas university, a copy of the final degree
certificate should be submitted with the application form.

Transcripts of an applicants academic record are also required. These

should provide full details of the degree class and grades obtained in each

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unit or module. If these documents are not in English they should be

accompanied by a formal certified translation into English by the awarding
institution, by University of Leeds accredited agent and offices or by an official
translator, signed and dated including their credentials, company details and
confirmation that the translation is accurate.

Applicants who are awaiting the outcome of an undergraduate or

postgraduate programme should provide an interim transcript where possible.

English Language Qualifications

Proof of English Language proficiency is required as part of the taught
postgraduate application. Copies of the results of any formal English
Language tests, as approved by the University (see Appendix A), which
provide evidence that an applicant has met the minimum requirements for
their chosen programme of study should be submitted with a Taught
Postgraduate Application. Without this evidence, any offer made will be
conditional on meeting the minimum English language requirements.

5.4 Referees

Full, clear and accurate contact details of two referees should be given to the
University by the applicant at the point of application.

Academic Schools may request references from academic referees as a crucial

element of the selection process. Where they are requested, please note that it is the
applicants responsibility to ensure references are sent to the University. Nominated
referees should not be related to an applicant by blood or marriage and should be
qualified to comment in detail on their capacity to cope with the academic demands
of the programme for which they are applying. In exceptional circumstances,
applicants who are applying with directly relevant work experience may nominate a
person with knowledge of their employment activity to act as the second referee.

The acceptance of references is at the discretion of the relevant Academic School

and any further questions relating to the format of references or nominating
appropriate referees should be directed to the administrator for the specific
programme of study applied to. Contact details can be found on our website at
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/faculties.

5.5 Submission of work

Applicants should also enclose with their application any written work or evidence of
creative/practical ability that may be specified as an admissions requirement for their
chosen programme. Applicants should check with the relevant Academic School
prior to making an application as to whether there are any such requirements.

5.6 Communication with applicants

The Student Education Service (SES) will formally communicate the outcome of an
application directly with the applicant on behalf of the University of Leeds.

Academic Schools may also communicate with applicants during the admissions
process, for example requesting further information where required.

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Applicants who have any queries during the application process are encouraged to
contact Admissions Enquiries. Contact details can be found in section 7. Once an
offer has been received applicants should contact the Academic School to which they
have applied.

5.7 Fraudulent statements and documents, plagiarism and omissions

By submitting an application to the University of Leeds applicants are confirming that

the information given is true, complete and accurate. Applicants should not omit any
requested or relevant information, make any misrepresentation (for example, through
plagiarism) or give false information or documents at any point of the application
process including after an offer is made. Should this occur the University reserves
the right to dismiss a current or future application, withdraw an offer of a place and/or
revoke registration.

The Academic School may use a system to process personal statements received in
support of an application in order to identify statements that show similarity. The
School will receive notification of any cases where a significant amount of potentially
plagiarised material is identified. At the discretion of the School, applicants who are
identified by the system may be given the opportunity to submit a new personal
statement in support of their application.

5.8 Offers
5.8.1 Conditional offer
A conditional offer means that the University of Leeds will offer an applicant a
place providing certain conditions are met. Usually conditions are based on
the completion of outstanding qualifications or meeting the minimum English
Language requirements. Other conditions may include criminal record and
health checks. Conditional Offers may state the overall grades that must be
achieved and/or specific grades in named modules. Each offer is specific to
an applicants individual qualifications and circumstances. Applicants must
meet all conditions as set by the University prior to the start of the course.

5.8.2 Unconditional offer

An unconditional offer means that an applicant has met the academic and
non-academic entry requirements and has been accepted onto their chosen
programme of study at the University of Leeds.

5.8.3 Unsuccessful application

Applicants will receive an unsuccessful response if the University has
decided not to offer them a place on the programme. Applicants can be
unsuccessful for many reasons. Applicants who are unsuccessful in gaining a
place on their chosen programme and wish to find out the reason for this
should, in the first instance, refer to the relevant section within the Schools
Admissions Policy.

5.8.4 Withdrawn application

An application may be withdrawn either by the applicant, or by the University.
If the University withdraws an application the reason will be communicated by
the Academic School. The University reserves the right to withdraw an offer
up to the point at which it has been accepted by an applicant. In cases where
candidates are required to attend an interview as part of the application
process applications may be withdrawn if a candidate fails to attend without

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making contact with the University, or if an applicant is unable to attend and

an alternative date cannot reasonably be found.

5.8.5 Near miss offer

If an applicant doesnt meet the conditions of their offer, the Academic School
may use their discretion and confirm a place as long as the result(s) achieved
are acceptable.

The above does not prejudice the Universitys right to rely upon
published disclaimers relating to delivery of programmes and services.

5.9 CAS issuance and tuition fee deposits

The University reserves the right to charge a tuition fee deposit. All self-financing
students applying for postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Leeds are
required to pay a tuition fee deposit if they require a Tier 4 General Student visa to
study in the UK3. The tuition fee deposit is paid before the University issues a
Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS), which students need in order to apply
for a visa. All necessary data for CAS issuance (e.g. passport details) must also be
supplied.

For more details regarding how to pay your deposit and in what circumstances it may
be refunded please see the following webpage: www.leeds.ac.uk/pgfeesguidance

5.10 Interviews

Applicants may be invited for interview. For some programmes an interview or

audition forms part of the selection process to provide each candidate with the same
opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and aptitude for the
programme of study. Applicants who are invited for interview may obtain further
information about the interview process from the relevant Admissions Tutor/Officer.
In some cases interviews are used as an opportunity to find out more about an
applicants qualifications, motivation and preparations for undertaking a taught
postgraduate degree.

Interviews are also designed to ensure that an applicant understands the nature and
demands of their chosen degree programme and provide an opportunity to visit the
School, view facilities and meet members of academic and support staff, and current
students.

Some applicants (for example, disabled applicants, applicants who are pregnant,
etc.) will require adjustments at interview (for example, a sign-language interpreter or
an adjustment to an audition process) to provide them with full and equal access to
the process. Academic Schools are responsible for making reasonable adjustments
where possible. The Universitys Disabled Students Assessment and Support team
should be consulted for further advice or information (email disability@leeds.ac.uk).

5.11 Accepting an offer

Applicants who are successful in gaining a place for taught postgraduate study will
be made either a conditional or an unconditional offer.

3 Special rules apply to School of Dentistry postgraduate applicants. Please see course listings on
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/coursefinder for details.

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Applicants are encouraged to respond to their offer online. Applicants who need
assistance can contact tp_applications@leeds.ac.uk, including their student ID, full
name, and course of study.

5.12 Feedback

Unsuccessful applicants may wish to request feedback on the reason for the
outcome of their application. All requests for feedback must be made in writing or via
email to the relevant Admissions Tutor/Officer (see Academic School policy for
details) and signed by the applicant or from the email address listed on their
application form. Generally where applicants request feedback on why they have not
been admitted, feedback will be given.

5.13 Complaints

The University will consider all applications fairly and effectively in line with the
procedures outlined in this document.

Applicants who wish to challenge a decision to reject their application should write to,
or where agreed email the relevant Head of School to which they applied detailing
the nature of their complaint. The complaint must typically be made within 14 days of
the decision.

On receipt of a complaint, the Head of School (or nominee not involved in the
admissions process) will review the decision to reject the applicant. Following this
review the Head of School (or nominee) will write to the applicant giving grounds for
their decision, normally within 14 days.

Applicants who have complained to the Head of School and remain dissatisfied may
submit their complaint to the Universitys Complaints Officer within 14 days of the
Head of Schools response. This Officer (or their nominee) will not review academic
or professional judgements that have been made but will review matters relating to
process. The Officer or nominee will aim to provide a response a reasoned
judgement within 14 days of receiving a complaint. This judgement will represent
the Universitys final decision on the matter. The Officer will report the outcomes of
any reviews they conduct to the Recruitment Committee.

Section 6 Applicants Personal Data

The personal data of applicants is processed for the purposes of considering their
admission in accordance with the Universitys Code of Practice on Data Protection
http://campus.leeds.ac.uk/dpa/code.htm.

If applicants have any concerns with regard to the processing of their personal data
they should contact Adrian Slater, one of the Universitys Data Protection Officers, at
a.j.slater@adm.leeds.ac.uk

Section 7 Student Education Service Review

The University is reviewing its provision of support for students. The intention is to
develop a model for the delivery of student services, based on one university
principles, to provide consistent, high quality support for all students across all
aspects of the student journey.

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The SES project team is currently consulting and developing on admissions

processes which are designed to help meet the underlying principles of quality,
equity, consistency and opportunity.

As a result of this consultation and development certain processes outlined in this

document may be subject to change.

Section 8 Contact details and web links

Applicants should contact the Admissions Enquiries Team for information relating to
courses and admission to the University of Leeds, details below:

Admissions Enquiries,
University of Leeds,
Leeds,
LS2 9JT
Telephone: +44 (0) 113 343 2336
Email: study@leeds.ac.uk
Web: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/postgraduates

8.1 Email contacts

Disabled Students Assessment and Support: disability@leeds.ac.uk

Healthcare admissions: admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk
Data protection officer: a.j.slater@adm.leeds.ac.uk

8.2 Web Links

Coursefinder: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/coursefinder
Online application form: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply.htm
Postgraduate fees:
http://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/10210/paying_fees_and_charges/604/tuition_fees
www.leeds.ac.uk/pgfeesguidance
Postgraduate scholarships:
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/101050/fees_and_scholarships/109/postgraduate_schola
rships
Equality and Inclusion Policy: www.equality.leeds.ac.uk/university-policies-2/
Language Centre: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/125008/english_language
International Students: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/international
Criminal Records Policy:
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/secretariat/documents/applicants_students_criminal_record.p
df
List of Faculties: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/faculties
Fees and finance: www.leeds.ac.uk/pgfeesguidance
Schwartz Report of the Admissions to Higher Education Steering Group 2004:
http://www.admissions-review.org.uk/
Age and safeguarding policy:
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/secretariat/documents/safeguarding_policy.pdf
Data protection policy: http://campus.leeds.ac.uk/dpa/code.htm

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APPENDIX A - Proof of English Language Proficiency

Section 1 Applicants who are not required to undertake further English

language tests

Please note that this section may not apply to applicants that are submitting
applications for programmes with an English language requirement that is higher
than the University minimum.

The following applicants are not required to provide further English Language
qualification as proof of English language proficiency:

Graduates4 from:

Antigua & Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Botswana; Canada;
Cameroon; Dominica; Fiji; The Gambia; Ghana; Grenada; Guyana; Republic of
Ireland; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Malawi; Namibia; New Zealand; Nigeria; Papua
New Guinea; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines;
Sierra Leone; Solomon Island; South Africa; Swaziland; Tanzania; Trinidad &
Tobago; Uganda; United Kingdom; United States of America; Zambia; Zimbabwe.

NHS registered overseas doctors

Those who have completed a Masters degree in the UK or any of the above
countries

Section 2 English Language Qualifications

The University recognises a wide range of English Language qualifications and

where applicable, will make an offer which is based on one of the approved tests.

The minimum acceptable scores for the most commonly presented English
Language Qualifications are given below. Please note that some programmes may
require higher scores:

Commonly Accepted Qualifications

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)5: an overall score of
6.5 with not less than 6.0 in listening, reading writing and speaking.
Pass in the Trinity College Integrated Skills in English (ISE) examinations5: II
or above
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of Academic English)*: an overall score of 64,
with at least 60 in listening, reading, writing and speaking
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations: Certificate of Proficiency in
English: grades A C

4
Applies to graduates from institutions where the medium of instruction is English, who have normally
spent a minimum of two years at this institution to complete their degree.
5
Please note, we cannot accept results from these tests that are over two years old at the start date of
the course you intend to study

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University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations: Certificate in Advanced

English: grades A - C
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations: Certificate of Proficiency in
English: grades 176 overall with no less than 169 in any component (post Jan
2015)
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations: Certificate in Advanced
English: grades 176 overall with no less than 169 in any component (post Jan
2015)
ibtTOEFL (Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language): an overall
score of 92, with no less than: 21 in listening and reading, 23 in speaking, and
22 in writing
70% or higher in English in the Indian Standard Twelfth, together with use of
English as the medium of instruction at secondary school
Cambridge IGCSE English as a First Language: grades A - C

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language: grades A C

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